capitalism refers to epoch (historical period) in which there is a class system in which the proletariat (working class) is exploited by the bourgeoisie (social class who owns means to production and capital)

Term

proletariat

Definition

- working class

- owns only their capacity to work and are trapped in the "idiocy of rural life"

Term

bourgeoisie

Definition

social class who owns means to production and capital

Term

capitalism

Definition

an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state

Term

Historical/Dialectical Materialism

Definition

history and events happen from CLASS STRUGGLES in society --> PROGRESSIVE CLASSES arise that are related to new forms of production and conflict with the old --> NEW FORMS OF SOCIETY arise to adjust when progressive classes win power

class struggles --> progressive classes --> new society

Term

revolution

Definition

way in which new classes win power

Term

bourgeois democratic revolution

Definition

way in which capitalist class wins power over feudal class; replaces face-to-face feudal relationship with "cash nexus" (depersonalized connection b/t employees and employers)

Term

proletarian revolution

Definition

- capitalism creates proletariat who have nothing to sell but their labor

- Marx belives must be violent because bourgeoisie will not give up power by their free will

Term

In capitalism, the proletariat is the progressive class which is destined to overthrow capitalism and establish socialism, which will eventually evolve into communism.

Definition

In capitalism, the proletariat is the progressive class which is destined to overthrow capitalism and establish socialism, which will eventually evolve into communism.

Term

6 Stages of History

Definition

Tribal: hunter-gatherers (classless)

Ancient: Rome/Greece, master dictates slave

Feudalism: offering land in exchange for goods/labor (nobility rules)

Capitalism: trade and industry controlled by private owners rather than state (bourgeoisie rules)

Socialism: public ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange (proletariat rules)